The day of your surgery

You will usually see one of your medical team and the details of the procedure will be explained to you.  You will then be asked to sign a consent form (unless you already did this at pre-assessment clinic) giving your permission for surgery to go ahead.  This form shows the doctors that you know what the procedure is for, and that you understand the risks involved.

If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will have a visit from the anaesthetist who will talk about the anaesthetic they will give you to put you to sleep throughout the whole operation. It will be given to you via an injection or gas, which you breathe through a mask.

You will normally be asked to remove dentures, piercings, jewellery, or nail varnish before the operation.

You must tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking any medication to thin the blood or prevent clotting as these need to be stopped before surgery.

The core medical team

Surgeon:  Performs your operation.  Beforehand they will explain your operation and tell you about the potential risks and complications.

Cancer Nurse Specialist:  A specialist nurse in this type of cancer and its treatments.  They are available to offer advice and information about your surgery and are the main point of contact should you have any concerns.

Anaesthetist:  Responsible for your anaesthetic which puts you to sleep for your operation.  They also discuss the types of pain control available.

Physiotherapist:  Helps you to get fitter and stronger.  They will teach you deep breathing and coughing exercises which are important to help your lungs re-expend and help prevent chest infections.  They will also encourage you to be mobile following your operation and to help you become as fit as possible before leaving the hospital.

Dietician:  Helps you manage your diet.  You may see a dietician before your surgery if you have been struggling with weight loss.  Often patients will see a dietician to manage eating following the operation.